Is Santos Aiming to Retain Neymar Until the 2026 World Cup?
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Synopsis
Santos is making significant efforts to retain Neymar, even as he faces ongoing injury challenges. With a new managerial direction, the club is strategizing to ensure Neymar's recovery aligns with their ambitions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key Takeaways
- Santos is working to extend Neymar's contract.
- Injuries have limited Neymar's playtime.
- New manager Cleber Xavier has a different vision for Neymar's role.
- Santos currently sits near the bottom of the Brazilian Serie A.
- Neymar's recovery is a priority for the club.
Rio de Janeiro, May 3 (NationPress) The president of Santos, Marcelo Teixeira, has announced that the club is actively pursuing an extension of Neymar's contract until the upcoming FIFA World Cup next year, despite the forward's persistent injury issues.
Neymar, who rejoined his childhood club Santos on a six-month deal in January after a lengthy career in Europe and a brief spell in Saudi Arabia, is at the center of this discussion, reports Xinhua.
Teixeira stated, “We must find a technical solution to enhance Neymar's recovery monitoring and his on-field presence, which could increase the likelihood of him renewing his contract to remain until the World Cup.”
The 33-year-old forward has faced various leg muscle injuries since his return to play last October, following a knee injury that kept him sidelined for over a year. During his latest tenure with Santos, he has only participated in nine matches, netting three goals and assisting on three others.
Teixeira remarked, “When we welcomed Neymar back, we understood he had endured a severe injury. Aware of this, we dedicated our entire staff to support Neymar and established a structure for his complete recovery. He feels at home here.”
Currently, Santos finds itself at 19th place in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings, accumulating just four points from six matches. The club recently appointed former Brazil assistant coach Cleber Xavier as its new manager following the exit of Pedro Caixinha.
In his inaugural press conference, Xavier indicated that Neymar is less likely to return to his former left-wing position, where he gained fame at Barcelona.
“He played on that side during his time at Barcelona and with the national team, but he is now better suited as an attacking midfielder,” Xavier explained. “Tite, the former Brazil coach, called him both a bow and an arrow because he organizes and also finishes attacking plays. He has been playing like this for a long time, and I envision him doing so here as well.”
Point of View
It is essential to observe Santos' commitment to Neymar's health and performance amid injury challenges. The strategic approach taken by the club reflects a blend of ambition and care, demonstrating a dedication to both the player and the team's future prospects.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neymar's current contract situation with Santos?
Neymar is currently on a six-month contract with Santos, and the club is aiming to extend it until the 2026 World Cup.
How has Neymar's injury impacted his playtime?
Neymar has struggled with leg muscle injuries, resulting in only nine appearances since his return, where he scored three goals and provided three assists.
What role is Neymar expected to play under the new manager?
The new manager, Cleber Xavier, indicated that Neymar is likely to play as an attacking midfielder rather than returning to the left wing.
Why is Neymar's potential contract extension important for Santos?
Retaining Neymar could significantly boost Santos' performance and visibility in the Brazilian Serie A as they aim to improve their standings.
What challenges does Santos face in the current Serie A season?
Santos is currently positioned 19th in the league with only four points from six matches, posing a challenge for the team's aspirations.
